Golfer Supremacy Rankings find a new Monty (Rory McIlroy) and the old Tiger Woods (Tiger Woods)

Here at the Golfer Supremacy Rankings, we have a simple mission statement: always promote golfers. Basically, even if we need to invent things full cloth in order to make the world's greatest golfers stand out, we'll do it. Luckily for us, the world's greatest golfers always give us something to promote.

Because while America was entranced by the Super Bowl game and by Michael Phelps' maniacal drug spree that took him across one house party in one state, the world of golf was seeing some pretty wild behavior from golfers and their families. And if we don't take notice, then, we ask, who will?

So sit back in your easy chair, relax and allow us to present to you some of the great - and not-so-great - goings on in the world of golf. Because thus far in 2009, golfers both young and old are proving more supreme than ever.

Golfer Supremacy Rankings

Comments: We're pretty America-centric around these parts, and usually it takes some type of sex scandal for us to notice the European Tour. But 19-year-old McIlroy has got our attention in a big way with his on-course doings.

After coming close but losing twice in playoffs, the teen came through in a big way, closing out the show with an up-and-down par from the sand on No. 18 to win the Dubai Desert Classic. And while it's a bit hyperbolic to say that McIlroy is the next Tiger Woods, the Northern Ireland teen may well be the next Colin Montgomerie.

Except one suspects this version of the new European Ryder Cup captain will have a major or two in his pocket before all is said and done.

2. Tiger Woods

Comments: We have finally found the new Tiger Woods. His name is "Tiger Woods," and he'll soon be coming to a golf course near you.

Following surgery to replace the ACL in his left knee, Woods is now back to practicing "full bore" and is excited about his pending return to the PGA Tour. With a second child on the way and a lot to prove, it's quite likely 2009 will be yet another "Year of the Tiger."

Derrick Fujikawa recently pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree methamphetamine trafficking, thus proving that he is unable to meet the lofty standards set by Earl Woods. (Hell, he's not able to meet the not-so-lofty standards of B.J. Wie at this point.) But Tadd is not his father's keeper, and we're still firmly behind the teen sensation and hope he can overcome this unneeded obstacle in his life.

Random Unneeded iPhone widget: Want to heckle your golfing partner but don't want to go to the trouble of actually verbalizing? No sweat, let the "Golf Smak!" handle it for you.

From its press release: "Golfing just became more fun with the release of Golf Smak! for Apple's iPhone by software developer Marvel Apps, LLC. Golf Smak! contains a library of over 50 unique sounds and sayings that enable the user to complement, ridicule or heckle their fellow golfers."

February 5, 2009

William K. Wolfrum keeps one eye on the PGA Tour and another watching golf vacation hotspots and letting travelers in on the best place to vacation. You can follow him on Twitter @Wolfrum.

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